NEWS | NES Food & Drink Awards Shortlist Announced

The excellence and innovation of food and drink businesses in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, and Moray will be recognised in the region’s industry awards in May.

This year, 46 businesses submitted 68 entries across eight categories in the awards, which celebrate success in the vital growth sector and recognise investment in people, products and processes across this diverse and dynamic sector.

33 businesses have been shortlisted following two days of judging by industry leaders and category experts.

The awards, delivered by Opportunity North East (ONE) in partnership with Aberdeenshire Council, have been a springboard for businesses expanding into new markets for over 30 years.

Entrants benefitted from judges from across the UK sharing their knowledge and providing feedback on entries.

ESS, part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, is the title sponsor for the awards, and SPAR Scotland, Strachans, Serco NorthLink Ferries, CMS, Scotland Food & Drink and DYW North East Scotland support the awards.

The 2024 awards recognise achievements across eight categories including the best new food and drink products through to the most innovative company, rising star and team of the year.

Martyn Lee, Executive Chef for Waitrose, who leads their food innovation team, judged the best new food product category. He has worked within food development for over 20 years, first within the restaurant sector and for the past 14 years in manufacturing and retail. He is passionate about bringing quality, exciting products to market, using data-led insights including AI.

Martyn Lee said: “It was such an honour to judge the New Food Product category and I had a fantastic time meeting with so many brilliant people in Aberdeenshire. I was really impressed by the innovative products that had been developed, along with the fantastic quality of the produce used.

A big congratulations to all who entered the competition, and I’m really excited for the winner to be announced next month.”